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In the corporate world, the internet is a highly representative asset to businesses. Whether it is to break down communication barriers or to facilitate operational activities, it is critical to any organization that wants to grow or stay active in an increasingly competitive market. Even with the evolution of security technologies, which have come to meet the needs generated by the advent of the Internet, the worldwide computer network is still used as a medium and tool for the performance of malicious users, which aims to deceive or capture business and people.
The current scenario challenges security experts to maintain core security concepts in organizations, making the Internet continue to ensure greater integration, efficiency and productivity for enterprises. In this blog post, we will contextualize a very relevant security item for organizations, which is secure remote access, based on the Virtual Private Network (VPN).
What is a VPN?
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a private network based on the infrastructure of a public network such as the Internet. Nowadays, the main users of this concept or technology are companies of the most varied sizes and segments that use it to allow offices and remote employees to connect in complete safety to their private network, using conventional Internet connections (public or domestic).
The concept of VPN arose from two needs:
1 – Replace old private lines with cheaper technologies, which allow connecting people and business units at low cost
2 – Use untrusted communication networks to traffic information safely.
Most enterprises have VPNs so their employees can access files, business applications, printers, and other resources on the network through secure remote access.
What are the protocols through which a VPN can be deployed?
To deploy a VPN in your company, the manager should firstly define the communication protocol used. Each protocol has its own characteristics, with advantages and disadvantages, as shown below.
PPTP
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is still in great use, although it is not the most recommended solution due to protocol operation and encryption. Its popularity, however, is due to high compatibility with operating systems and mobile devices.
L2TP
L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) combines PPTP and L2F concepts, an older protocol developed by Cisco Systems. It is considered the industry standard Internet tunneling protocol, having almost the same functionality as the PPTP protocol. However, L2TP is more secure than PPTP, as it performs all security checks and validations, enabling data encryption.
IPSec
The suite of Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) provides IP-layer protection for Internet communications. Although it has a more complex implementation and is constantly suffering from interoperability issues among manufacturers, it is the industry standard technology, not only for architecture, but also for supporting a complete set of cryptographic suites.
SSL
Secure Socket Layer (SSL), like all other types of VPN protocols, enables secure communication (Site to Site / Site to Client), etc. In many implementations, SSL allows the session to be started through the browser itself, which gives users considerable convenience.
This technology has seen a lot of growth over the last 5 years as it joins flexibility and security, removing many of the deployment and communication challenges between distinct vendors presented by IPSec deployments.
In many cases, the choice of protocol is not an option but a recommendation from the manufacturer, or third party that wishes to communicate. Because of this, the most interesting thing is to certify that the purpose of the VPN is achieved by the solution, which is offering a method of secure communication over the internet, preventing the breach of information integrity and confidentiality.
Why use a VPN?
There are many reasons for companies to be increasingly using VPNs, among which we can highlight the enhancement of security, privacy and integrity of the data traffic. In addition, VPNs enable users to access sensitive corporate data on public networks in a secure manner, bringing greater availability and mobility to businesses and individuals.
As such, VPNs help eliminate barriers related to communication and maintenance of activities, outside the work environment, combining productivity concepts without compromising data security and corporate systems, reflecting gains, including financial ones, for companies. In this way, the VPNs allow shortening distances, facilitating the communication between people and companies, with maximum security.
Take the opportunity and magnify our post by telling us about your experience with VPNs. Does not your company use solutions focused on secure remote access? Feel free to contact us. We have products and professionals specialized in the subject, ready to assist you.
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